Prisoners Literature Project

Volunteer

A photo of volunteers selecting books at PLP

The Prisoners Literature Project is based in Berkeley, California, and we’re always looking for volunteers to help answer letters, send out books, and assist with other administrative tasks. Our volunteers say they enjoy the inclusive, friendly and respectful environment that we strive to maintain.

During and following the COVID-19 pandemic, the PLP still hosts smaller in-person volunteer sessions multiple times per week, currently by invitation only, and following safety protocols to protect us all.

Please fill in this Google Form to get on the list to be contacted about attending a session! And please note that we receive many volunteer applications, and we run a limited number of sessions, so it might be a while before we can get back to you or invite you to attend a session.

About the Prisoners Literature Project

The Prisoners Literature Project is an inclusive, all-volunteer, grassroots nonprofit whose purpose is to encourage reading, the pursuit of knowledge, and self-determination among incarcerated people. By sending free reading materials to those behind bars, PLP aims to foster learning and critical thinking and help prepare people to lead successful lives after incarceration. We believe that all people have a right to read.

Please consider donating to the PLP or volunteering your time (if you live in the Bay Area, CA!) to help us answer letters from prisoners who write us from all over the United States.

Latest News
New display at Alameda bookstore
Sep 2024

Loving the support of another Books Inc. location in Alameda! Stop by and check it out and enjoy the nearby restaurants, outdoor seating, theatre and movieplex, and much more. It’s a fun place to hangout. Help PLP and support a local independent bookstore first opened in 1851!


What do people love about volunteering with PLP?
Sep 2024

PLP is an all-volunteer organization so needless to way we couldn’t send out thousands of books each year without so many people contributing in different ways to our efforts. Hear from a few of our volunteers…


Spring/Summer 2024 Thank You Letters
Jul 2024

Here are some of the lovely and much appreciated notes we’ve received from book recipients over recent months.